Watchdog to probe Paddy Power's 'Oscar' ad after 60 complaints

THE Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland is investigating the controversial Oscar Pistorius advert by Paddy Power, after it was withdrawn in the UK following an "unprecedented" number of complaints.

THE Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland is investigating the controversial Oscar Pistorius advert by Paddy Power, after it was withdrawn in the UK following an "unprecedented" number of complaints.

Paddy Power controversially opened a book on the outcome of the Pistorius trial in South Africa.

The advert features a photograph of double amputee Olympic racer and Paralympic gold medalist Oscar Pistorius, mocked up as an Academy Award statuette.

The Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland said they had received about 60 complaints "which is at the top end and probably the fourth most complained about advert in the past four years."

In Britain, more than 5,200 complaints were received against the "money back if he walks" advert. The UK Advertising Standards Authority said the number of complaints was "unprecedented".